Universal Studios Unveils ‘Fan Fest Nights’ Featuring ‘Star Trek’ and More
Universal Studios Hollywood is set to revive the excitement of science fiction and fantasy with its newly launched Fan Fest Nights. This seasonal event, established to run alongside the beloved Halloween Horror Nights, promises to deliver immersive experiences based on popular franchises including Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, and Back to the Future.
A New Era for ‘Star Trek’
After the closure of Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas over a decade ago, fans have eagerly awaited new attractions. With the introduction of Fan Fest Nights, Universal Studios brings the iconic franchise back to life. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore a replica of the U.S.S. Enterprise bridge, a set originally used in Star Trek: Picard. Enhancing the experience will be clever stagecraft techniques designed to mimic the famed transporter effect.
Event Details and Ticket Information
Fan Fest Nights launches on April 25 and will run on select evenings through May 18. The special evening events require separate tickets, starting at $74, with premium packages available that can reach up to $373. Guests are also encouraged to don costumes, adding an exciting layer to the experience. Throughout the night, Universal’s rides will remain operational, drawing in visitors with an offer of both thrill rides and themed attractions.
Immersive Theatrical Experiences
This new offering diverges from standard theme park attractions by incorporating immersive theater elements. According to Stephen Siercks, senior director of entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, the aim is to create a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience for guests:
“One of the things that makes these experiences really special is the exploratory nature of them,” said Siercks.
Attractions and Experiences
- Star Trek: Red Alert: Guests board the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, where unexpected events unfold, creating a dynamic narrative driven by actor interactions.
- Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep: This walk-through attraction takes participants on a quest centered around solving puzzles and engaging with story elements involving a beholder monster.
- Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley: Combining a festive atmosphere with character actors, this experience emphasizes branching storylines for a unique guest interaction.
Crafting Unique Storylines
Unlike traditional Halloween mazes, which may last only a couple of minutes, the themed experiences at Fan Fest Nights are designed to last approximately 12 minutes each. Guests will navigate through various rooms, engaging with actors throughout the experience, significantly enhancing interactivity.
Siercks emphasizes the importance of storytelling and character development:
“It was important to us to be able to develop the stories and really develop the characters and the environments,” he explained.
Additional Attractions and Collaborations
In addition to the primary attractions, Fan Fest Nights will feature character interactions, meet-and-greets with popular figures such as those from One Piece, and a short film based on Jujutsu Kaisen. Moreover, the park’s Super Nintendo World will introduce new character interactions, while the Harry Potter section will showcase new magical creatures and projection shows on Hogwarts Castle.
Conclusion: A Stage for Fan Engagement
Overall, Fan Fest Nights aims to transform Universal Studios Hollywood into a stage for cinematic and entertainment experiences that invite guests to participate rather than merely observe. With an emphasis on science fiction and fantasy, this event reconnects fans with beloved franchises and offers an engaging theatrical atmosphere.